specification overview
Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) is a separate-science qualification covering 9 topics from key concepts through to separate chemistry 2. It's tiered (Foundation grades 5-1 or Higher grades 9-4), linear (both papers sat at the end of year 11), and graded 9-1, with 8 core practicals examined across both papers.
subject content
1. Key concepts in chemistry
Papers 1, 2- Atoms, elements, compounds
- Bonding, structure and properties
2. States of matter and mixtures
Paper 1- States of matter and changes of state
- Separating mixtures (filtration, distillation, chromatography)
3. Chemical changes
Paper 1- Acids, bases and salts
- Electrolysis
4. Extracting metals and equilibria
Paper 1- Reactivity series and extraction of metals
- Reversible reactions and equilibrium (HT)
5. Separate chemistry 1
Paper 1- Transition metals, alloys, corrosion
- Quantitative analysis and moles (HT)
6. Groups in the periodic table
Paper 2- Group 1, Group 7 and Group 0 elements
- Trends in reactivity and physical properties
7. Rates of reaction and energy changes
Paper 2- Rates of reaction and factors
- Energy changes: exothermic and endothermic reactions, reaction profiles and bond energy calculations
8. Fuels and Earth science
Paper 2- Fuels, combustion and pollutants
- Atmosphere and its evolution; water purification
9. Separate chemistry 2
Paper 2- Qualitative analysis: tests for ions
- Hydrocarbons, polymers, alcohols and carboxylic acids
- Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Topics 1-5 (key concepts, states of matter and mixtures, chemical changes, extracting metals and equilibria, separate chemistry 1) | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing |
| Paper 2 | Topics 1, 6-9 (key concepts, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction and energy changes, fuels and Earth science, separate chemistry 2) | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing |
Topic 1 (key concepts) appears on both papers. Foundation caps at grade 5; Higher runs 9-4 with an allowed grade 3.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures. | 40% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures. | 40% |
| AO3 | Analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate, make judgements and draw conclusions, including for experimental procedures. | 20% |
required practicals
| Practical | What it involves |
|---|---|
| CP1 Composition of inks (distillation and chromatography) | Investigate the composition of inks using simple distillation and paper chromatography (spec ref 2.11). |
| CP2 pH change with calcium hydroxide/oxide and HCl | Investigate the change in pH on adding powdered calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide to a fixed volume of dilute hydrochloric acid (spec ref 3.6). |
| CP3 Preparation of hydrated copper sulfate crystals | Investigate the preparation of pure, dry hydrated copper sulfate crystals starting from copper oxide, including use of a water bath (spec ref 3.17). |
| CP4 Electrolysis of copper sulfate solution | Investigate the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution with inert electrodes and copper electrodes (spec ref 3.31). |
| CP5 Acid-alkali titration | Carry out an accurate acid-alkali titration, using burette, pipette and a suitable indicator (spec ref 5.9C). |
| CP6 Rates of reaction (gas production and colour change) | Investigate the effects of changing conditions on rates of reaction, measuring gas production (HCl + marble chips) and colour change (sodium thiosulfate + HCl) (spec ref 7.1). |
| CP7 Identifying ions in unknown salts | Identify the ions in unknown salts, using the tests for the specified cations and anions (spec ref 9.6C). |
| CP8 Combustion of alcohols (temperature rise) | Investigate the temperature rise produced in a known mass of water by the combustion of the alcohols ethanol, propanol, butanol and pentanol (spec ref 9.28C). |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | Grades 5 to 1 | Grades 9 to 4, plus an allowed grade 3 |
| Paper count and length | 2 papers, 1h 45m each, 100 marks each | 2 papers, 1h 45m each, 100 marks each |
| Content scope | Full spec, minus higher-only sections (moles, extended equilibrium, extended organic) | Full spec including higher-only extensions |
key tips for success
Master the mole for Higher tier
Higher-tier moles calculations are a distinctive challenge. Practise mass, concentration, gas volume and reacting mass calculations.
Learn the 8 core practicals
Practical-context questions appear on both papers. Learn method, apparatus and expected results for each.
Build a definition bank
Edexcel rewards precise chemical definitions (mole, exothermic, dynamic equilibrium, electrolyte). Learn word-for-word.
Practise ionic and half-equations
Higher-tier questions on electrolysis and displacement reward well-written half-equations.
Master the periodic table trends
Group 1, Group 7 and Group 0 trends recur regularly. Learn patterns in reactivity, melting points and physical properties.
Choose the right tier
Foundation caps at grade 5; Higher starts at grade 4. If you're consistently scoring 60%+ on Higher past papers, stick with Higher.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
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